Reviews

Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram

juanitad15's review against another edition

This sequel brought Darius back as a new person, completely turned around from his trip to Iran. We got to see some of the themes brought up in the first book in action. I think this book did what very few do, it really added to the story and felt like it was necessary to get the full picture of Darius.

jenninevelyn's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

reefsharkie's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

myriadreads's review against another edition

4.0

This second dispatch from the life of Darius did not disappoint! For fans of Becky Albertalli and Benjamin Alire Saenz. The story picks up after Darius returns from Iran, stronger and more sure of himself than he was before. He is still navigating the balance between keeping tradition and seizing the aspects of American culture that bring the most joy, and his mind frequently drifts to his family dealing with challenges in Iran. And of course, there is high school, mental health, and an after school job to deal with! There is a much bigger focus on romance than in the first story, because Darius is out and dating. I loved navigating relationships and strong teen feelings with lovable, family-oriented, smart & geeky Darius. He does deserve better, and with the support of family and friends, he's going to find his way forward.

justiner16's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

wanderingmole's review against another edition

4.0

Good sequel!

*and great audio production.

kvreadsandrecs's review against another edition

4.0

Dang. Darius the Great does deserve better. This is fantastic writing because you can very much feel all of the ways Darius feels. I do not miss high school haha, but it was nice to see some familiar characters :)

evelynyle_88's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Adib Khorram, you did it once again! I decided to listen to this beautiful story about Darius Kellner to continue my journey with him, his family and his friends... I feel like this story gave me comfort. 

Knowing that there's Landon in his life at the start of the story... I could picture how happy he was. But, I sometimes felt Landon was too pushy toward Darius. 

Darius really deserves better than the love he got from Landon. And I'm glad this quite heavy story ended well for all of them; including Darius. Great job, Mr. Khorram! You made me love Darius even more!🩷

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Mental illness, Bullying, and Homophobia

Moderate: Death, Grief, and Racism

Minor: Sexual content

bwray1's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

pkinzw's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25